‘Symbol of fearless resistance’: In Guru’s memory, PM releases postal stamp, special coin | Chandigarh News

Kurukshetra: Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi released a commemorative postal stamp and a special coin on behalf of the central govt and a coffee table book published by the Haryana govt, dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, during a special event organised in the memory of the ninth Sikh Guru here on Tuesday.Thousands of devotees from different communities converged for the grand state-level commemoration of the martyrdom event, organised by the state govt. PM Modi attended the event at Jyotisar village, where a massive venue was set up to accommodate the large gathering. A special highlight of the event was interfaith harmony, as 350 students from Patiala’s Play Ways Senior Secondary School—representing Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, and Christian communities—recited the Gurbani Kirtan in unison for about half an hour. Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said new Panchajanya Memorial in Kurukshetra stood on the sacred soil where Lord Krishna upheld the duty to protect truth and justice. He said Guru Tegh Bahadur embodied the same ideals and sacrificed his life to defend faith and righteousness. Although PM Modi mentioned Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in his address, he did not make any announcement, as was being expected by the Sikh community, to reopen this corridor, which has been closed since May following Operation Sindoor and the skirmish that followed with Pakistan. In recent past, Sikh community leaders, including Akal Takht jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, had asked the Centre to reopen the corridor.Speaking on the corridor, PM Modi said, “On the day when the Supreme Court delivered its verdict on Shri Ram Temple, I was in Dera Baba Nanak to inaugurate Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. I was praying for the path of Ram Mandir’s construction to be cleared and for the aspirations of crores of Ram devotees to be fulfilled. Today again, when we performed Dharma Dhwajarohan at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya, I am once again paying obeisance to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur and seeking blessings of the Sikh sangat (community).“PM Modi noted that Kurukshetra held a revered place in Sikh tradition, as almost all Sikh Gurus visited it. He recalled Guru Tegh Bahadur’s unmatched courage and said his martyrdom became a symbol of fearless resistance in the face of Mughal oppression. He recounted how the Guru challenged Aurangzeb’s forced conversions, remained steadfast despite temptations and torture, and witnessed the martyrdom of his companions without wavering. The Guru ultimately offered his head in defence of dharma, said the PM.PM highlighted Bhai Jaita’s bravery in carrying the Guru’s severed head to Anandpur Sahib. He said Guru’s supreme sacrifice, preserved in the words of Guru Gobind Singh, earned him the title ‘Hind Di Chadar’.PM Modi said his govt had developed key religious sites, including the Kartarpur Corridor, Hemkund Sahib ropeway, and Virasat-e-Khalsa expansion. He recalled the pride felt when three saroops of Guru Granth Sahib returned from Afghanistan. The PM spoke about dedicating the sacred Jora Sahib of Guru Gobind Singh and Mata Sahib Kaur to Takht Patna Sahib after scientific preservation, calling it a divine blessing to be part of this seva.He said Guru Tegh Bahadur’s life embodied Sarbat da Bhala (welfare of all). He stressed that today’s India sought peace, but did not compromise on security.PM Modi also addressed the issue of drug addiction, noting that the Guru inspired entire villages to abandon intoxicants. He urged society and families to unite in a similar campaign against drugs.He concluded that the Guru’s teachings continue to guide the nation, and the commemoration of his martyrdom should inspire youth to contribute to India’s progress.SIDELIGHTS Langar halls spread across several acres served meals to lakhs of devotees throughout the day. Volunteers from gurdwara sahibs and other organisations participated in distributing langar and maintaining disciplineFor footwear management, two large jora ghars were established. Devotees’ footwear were carefully packed and systematically stored. Hundreds of sewadars from Gurdwara Chhevin Patshahi, Mandi Sahib, and nearby villages served throughout the event.Considering the massive turnout, stringent security arrangements were implemented. Separate frisking zones were set up with 42 lines for men and 12 for women DIG Virendra Vij personally supervised the security operations, backed by nearly 5,000 police personnel. Traffic routes were diverted across the region to maintain smooth vehicular movementPM inaugurates Panchajanya Memorial, reviews Mahabharata Experience Centre**PM Modi also inaugurated the Panchajanya Memorial at the Mahabharata Experience Centre complex in Jyotisar. The memorial is dedicated to Panchajanya, the divine conch of Lord Krishna. Haryana governor Prof Aseem Kumar Ghosh and CM Nayab Singh Saini were also present.The memorial highlights the significance of the divine conch that Lord Krishna sounded at the beginning of Mahabharata while standing firmly for justice and dharma. Installed on an advanced Vedic-style Vaidika structure, the golden conch symbolises purity, courage, and the triumph of righteousness. Eighteen verses from the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita are inscribed on the memorial.After the inauguration, PM Modi toured the Mahabharata Experience Centre.During the visit, they viewed various curated sections of the centre, including the reception gallery, the Mahakavya Creation Room, Ancient Mahabharata displays, the Kuru lineage, Draupadi’s Swayamvar, Lord Krishna’s Vishvarupa, Gita shlokas, Krishna’s life episodes, the 48 Kos Kurukshetra region, the Dashavatar gallery, and several other thematic chambers.Performs Aarti at BrahmasarovarPM Modi also performed the grand evening maha Aarti at Brahmasarovar during the ongoing International Gita Mahotsav (IGM). Amid Vedic chanting, the PM lit the ceremonial lamp and prayed for the progress and prosperity of the nation. He also posed for a photograph with members of the Kurukshetra Development Board and scholars from various countries in front of the divine chariot of Lord Krishna and Arjuna. After viewing Brahmasarovar, he participated in another Maha Aarti at Purushottampura Bagh.